Live Life Like a Festival is a vibrant 240-page workbook that celebrates 30 years of LEAF Global Arts and invites you to carry its creative spark into your own life. Born on the historic grounds of Black Mountain College — once home to artists like Buckminster Fuller, Anni Albers, and Merce Cunningham — LEAF has built a global village of musicians, teachers, change-makers, and joyful creators like Bootsy Collins, Doc Watson, Angelique Kidjo, to Rising Appalachia. This book is their story — and your invitation.
Inside, you’ll discover rare archival photos, reflections from LEAF artists and educators, creative prompts, and soulful stories from around the world. Whether you’ve danced under the stars at Lake Eden or never heard of LEAF until now, this book offers something real: a chance to slow down, reflect, and live more fully.
More than nostalgia, this is a call to action — a reminder that LEAF is not just a festival it’s a way of life.
Pre-order your copy today and receive exclusive bonuses that support our global work. Your purchase helps bring arts education to underserved communities and supports the next generation of cultural leaders. Let this book live on your coffee table, in your classroom, or beside your journal — and let it remind you: life isn’t always a festival, but you can choose to live as if it could be spiced with a thousand beautiful memories. For three decades, LEAF Global Arts has brought people together through music, culture, and connection. This book captures the magic of those moments — and invites you to carry that spirit into your everyday life.
Book Details:
Hardcover. 240 Pages. 12 Chapters. Size 8.75w x 9.5h
This milestone is being created by LEAF Founder Jennifer Pickering, LEAF Poetry Slam Founder & Slammaster James Navé, and Art Designer Lauren Breher.
Your $49.95 pre-order helps bring the Live Life Like a Festival book to life!
This is a LEAF Global Arts FUNdraiser:
• ADD a $100 LEAF Membership to also receive collectible POSTER.
• ADD a $250 or more LEAF Membership to get custom-designed “Live Life Like a Festival” PJs or blanket, plus collectible poster.
Your membership 100% supports artists, educators, culture-keepers and youth locally and worldwide.
**This offer starts on August 28, 2025. Current Memberships will be renewed forward. Any questions or to order with a LEAF staffer, reach out to Members@theLEAF.org or call 828.68-MUSIC (686-8742). We love to connect!
Timeline:
•By Dec 1st, we will confirm your PJ size or Blanket and delivery.
•Your custom PJs or blanket will be ready by December Holidays.
•Your Live Life Like a Festival Book + Poster ready Spring 2026.
When Grace Point Publishing gave us the go ahead to launch the pre-order, they said ‘have fun”! Custom PJs seemed fitting and made us smile. We hope they will make you happy, too. PJs feel like home, good memories, and friends. The PJs & blanket have custom artwork by Sir Tom Foolery (Tommy Lee), transformed by LEAF designer Lauren Breher, who creates lounge/sleepwear in New York City.
“To Live Life like a Festival means stepping into each day with anticipation, curiosity, and openness to experience —whether it’s a conversation that lingers, a rhythm that moves through you, or a small moment of beauty that shifts your perspective. At LEAF, we see how a weekend of music, dance, and community can awaken hearts. To live this way is to carry that spirit beyond the festival grounds and into everyday life.” ~ Lauren (LEAF Designer since 2023)
Live Life Like a Festival is more than a book — it’s an invitation. In the spirit of LEAF, Jennifer Pickering (LEAF Founder) & Chinobay (LEAF Board Chair + Ugandan Cultural Ambassador/Musican/Educator) talk about the book at Lake Eden. Blending stories, art, music, and reflection from 30 years of LEAF Global Arts, this beautifully designed workbook helps you bring the spirit of celebration into your daily life. You’ll find rare photos, creative prompts, soulful stories, and a philosophy rooted in joy, community, and purpose. Inspired by the legacy of Black Mountain College, Live Life Like a Festival reminds you to say yes to the dance. Pre-order today and be part of a journey that celebrates connection, creativity, and the beauty of everyday wonder.
GracePoint Publishing, a women-owned hybrid, publishes books that help humanity, specializing in Human Design, Inspirational, Memoir, and Healing books. We were introduced to GracePoint by LEAFers Kelly Hanson and Laura Cardwell.
Connect with Navé at LEAF Festival Poetry SLAM
or at jamesnave.com
Mayani is a Maasai boy from longido Arusha. He went to boarding school at 6 years old and lost his Maasai language and tradition. Since joining the LEAF program, he has learned to sing Maasai songs, practiced the ‘jump’ tradition and wear Maasai shukas (traditional clothing). Mayani is extremely happy and is currently teaching other youth the culture.